Degree of: Doctor of Philosophy

Department: Sociology

Title: A Society in Crisis: A Critical Perspective on Health Care and Distribution of Health Status in the United States

Committee:
Dr. Susan Caringella, Chair
Dr. Thomas Van Valey
Dr. Douglas Davidson
Dr. Mary Lagerway

Date: Monday, May 16, 2011 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2520 Sangren Hall

Abstract:
This dissertation examines U.S. health status both internationally and domestically utilizing indicators infant mortality, life expectancy at birth, and maternal mortality data as comparison. This research compares U.S. health status data with OECD country data to ascertain U.S. rankings internationally. Also, this study examines the distribution of health status within and between sex, class, and racial groups in the U.S. to further the discussion that health status is unequally distributed in the United States. This research found that the U.S. ranked in the lowest quartile in each of the health status variables examined internationally and that inequalities exist in the distribution of health status within and between different groups in the U.S. Finally, the study offers the argument that the inequalities in delivery of health care in the U.S. is foundational in explaining the reduced health status discovered.

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